A Massachusetts certificate of good standing (MA) is a legal document that verifies that your limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was correctly formed and is in good standing with the state.
This Certificate of Good Standing Massachusetts guide will explain how to get a certificate of good standing in Massachusetts and the requirements to get a good standing certificate.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
The certificate- of good standing, aka “certificate of existence,” confirms that a company is up-to-date with its filings and has no legal issues preventing it from conducting business.
This state document verifies that you have legally formed your LLC or corporation and that your company is properly maintained.
Requirements for Getting a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing
In Massachusetts, the certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of compliance issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. To qualify for a Massachusetts certificate of compliance, make sure your corporation or LLC is up-to-date with the following state compliance requirements.
Obtain Business Licenses & Permits
Follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines to operate your business in Massachusetts in a state-compliant manner. Some examples include health permits, building permits, medical and other professional licenses, etc.
To find more about state licensing requirements, visit the State of Massachusetts website.
Pay State Taxes
Different businesses are subjected to different taxes such as Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax, withholding tax, or sales tax, etc. Depending on your business activity, you must register for various forms of Massachusetts state tax.
Timely Submit Annual Reports
All Massachusetts corporations and LLCs must file an annual report that summarizes their business’s finances over the past year.
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth requires your business to submit an annual report. The Massachusetts LLC biennial report filing fee is $500 and $125 for corporations. The filing is due every year on or before the anniversary date of the business’s formation.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?
Once your business is up-to-date with all filings and compliance requirements, you can order your certificate of Good Standing from the state authority.
The Massachusetts certificate of compliance is requested from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. To order your certificate of compliance online from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue using MassTaxConnect, click the following link.
You can also apply via fax or mail by downloading the Massachusetts certificate of compliance using the following link:
Mailing Address
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 7073
Boston, MA 02204
Fax: (617) 660-3611
The filing Cost for the Massachusetts Certificate of Compliance is $25.
Why Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your LLC or corporation in Massachusetts, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for a business loan or line of credit from a bank
- Purchasing business insurance
- Trying to lease commercial space
- Soliciting funds from potential investors
- You want to register your LLC or other business in another state as a foreign or out-of-state LLC
- You want to Transfer or domesticate your business to another state
- You’re selling your business, and the buyer wants proof that the company is in good legal standing
- You are contracting with another company
- You need to show compliance with government regulations in any other situation
FAQs on Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing
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